2019 Lexus RX 450h Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　

What's new

Integration with Lexus Enform Connect smartphone appPart of the fourth RX generation introduced for 2016

　　The 2019 Lexus RX 450h has many qualities that will make it appealing to a variety of shoppers. As a luxury crossover SUV, it hits all the right marks for interior quality, quietness and overall comfort. It's also a hybrid that returns excellent fuel economy numbers; the EPA says you can expect 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$159/mo  for RX 450h Base

　　RX 450h Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $46,245 MSRPF SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $51,605 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Holding back the RX 450h is one of the worst infotainment interfaces in the industry, acceleration that can best be described as leisurely and a cargo space that could be limiting for families. There is a larger three-row version, the RX 450hL, but its third-row seats are barely suitable for children.

　　There aren't many direct competitors for the RX 450h, but they're certainly worth considering. These include the hybrid versions of the Acura MDX and Volvo XC60. The Acura is the sporty one of the bunch while the Volvo is the stylish entry. In many ways, the Lexus finds an appealing middle ground between them. Considering the pluses and minuses, the 2019 Lexus RX 450h remains a solid choice in the class. Add in Lexus' reputation for reliability and the scales tip a bit more in its favor.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Lexus RX 450h as one of zzdcar' Best Hybrid SUVs for this year.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Lexus RX 450h F Sport (3.5L V6 hybrid | CVT automatic | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the current RX 450h has received some revisions, including new safety equipment. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's RX 450h.

　　

Driving

　　Considering what you get in fuel economy — the presumptive reason you buy the RX 450h instead of an RX 350 — performance is admirable. It moves with seamless authority; the steering, handling and braking are much the same as in the regular RX except for a little extra weight.

　　

Acceleration

　　The hybrid powertrain includes a stout 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the system delivers seamless acceleration in all conditions. Its 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.2 seconds is a bit slow for the segment but actually a couple of tenths quicker than the RX 350.

　　

Braking

　　The brakes feel consistent and reassuring in routine use, but they can feel grabby if you have to tap them quickly — say, when you're cut off. In our 60-0 mph panic-stop tests, the RX 450h posted merely acceptable distances of 121 to 130 feet.

　　

Steering

　　Response is smooth, and the steering effort is just about right. (It can be altered by switching between driving modes in the F Sport.) Isolation from road vibrations is excellent, but it almost feels as if it's too good because it's sometimes hard to judge just how much to turn the wheel.

　　

Handling

　　It feels coordinated and secure in most situations at civilian speeds, with moderate body roll. But the extra weight from the hybrid system is apparent if you hustle it on winding roads. The F Sport suspension has a selectable Sport mode.

　　

Drivability

　　The strong V6 engine rarely has to rev high enough to make the electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission obvious — annoying droning is rare. The brakes avoid the typical hybrid weirdness, as does the rest of the RX 450h in general.

　　

Off-road

　　The rear-drive portion of the all-wheel-drive system is just an electric motor that engages for a number of seconds when slip is detected, such as during ice and snow launches. It's a traction aid, not a true AWD system that can deliver sustained propulsion. The RX 450h has decent ground clearance.

　　

Comfort

　　Like the RX 350, the RX 450h is a comfortable place to spend time — even more so with the F Sport. The seats are handsome and comfortable, and the ride is smooth and composed without being overly buoyant. The hybrid drivetrain makes a few extra noises, but they're sufficiently muted.

　　

Seat comfort

　　We like the thoroughly comfortable front seats, and the F Sport's more supportive seats are set wide enough that they do their job without being confining. The heating and cooling feature for the front seats works great, too.

　　

Ride comfort

　　Contrary to expectations, the F Sport suspension feels less busy and soaks up bumps better than the regular RX suspension. It's neither too stiff nor too soft, which is to say the 450h is smooth-riding but with enough control to prevent it from being floaty.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　There is very little wind or road noise, and the hybrid powertrain is often quite silent. Other times the hybrid CVT automatic holds engine revs higher, but the sound is muted. The regenerative braking system tends to emit a muted whine.

　　

Interior

　　The Lexus RX 450h's cabin is great to look at and beautifully made. It's a real standout in the segment. However, some controls are difficult to use and the back seat isn't as generous as those of some rivals.

　　

Ease of use

　　The cabin controls are logically laid out, and there's a good mix of knobs and buttons. But we're unconvinced by the joystick-like Remote Touch system needed to control many vehicle functions. It can be distracting to use.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　The RX 450h is easy to get into because the doorsills are narrow and the seat height is about perfect. The doors open wide, too, with nicely squared-off upper openings, even in back.

　　

Driving position

　　The current RX features a lower, more car-like driving position than some SUV rivals. We like this because it makes you feel more in control yet still provides a sufficiently commanding view out.

　　

Roominess

　　There's more than enough head- and legroom up front, and there's a good amount of elbow room. Lots of rear headroom and elbow room, too, but knee clearance and toe space can be tight if the backseat passenger and the driver are both taller than 6 feet. Some rivals also offer three rows.

　　

Visibility

　　There's a sweeping view to the front and sides, with slender pillars and peekaboo windows ahead of the nice-size mirrors. The rear three-quarter blind spot is not terribly large. The decent direct rearward view is enhanced by the standard backup camera.

　　

Quality

　　The RX 450h boasts tremendous build quality. The materials look and feel rich, and they've been put together meticulously. Lexus really knows what it's doing. The quality is one of the key reasons to consider the RX.

　　

Utility

　　The Lexus RX 450h is far from what we'd consider utilitarian. Its cargo area's versatility is limited by its slanted roofline, and the center console lacks storage.

　　

Small-item storage

　　The center console is really big, but most of it is taken up with the shifter, Remote Touch and drive settings controllers, and the admittedly pretty wood trim. The cupholders are of an OK size, but there aren't many places to store odds and ends.

　　

Cargo space

　　The slanted roofline reduces cargo space for bulky items. It's really just a big trunk with an easy access height. Most similarly priced rivals are better. The 40/20/40-split backrest can be folded for long items while keeping two seats in place.

　　

Towing

　　Towing isn't the RX's primary mission, but it can pull a decent 3,500 pounds if equipped with the towing prep package (which also upgrades the cooling system). A hitch is not included, but one can be added as a dealer-installed accessory if needed.

　　

Technology

　　The RX 450h comes standard with driving aids that are optional on its rivals and that can give you added peace of mind. We also like its enormous optional display screen. But the Remote Touch interface that controls it is a constant distraction and potential deal-breaker.

　　

Audio & navigation

　　The Remote Touch interface — a joystick used to highlight icons on the 8- or 12.3-inch dashtop display — requires too much dexterity and concentration while driving. It's a distraction. We'd prefer almost any other tech interface.

　　

Smartphone integration

　　Bluetooth and two USB ports are standard, as are the Lexus Enform and Enform Destinations trip planning and live assistance apps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available.

　　

Driver aids

　　The RX 450h comes standard with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking (it can detect pedestrians and other cars), and lane keeping assist. These systems are optional on all rivals. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional.

　　

Which RX 450h does zzdcar recommend?

　　The 2019 Lexus RX 450h is only available in one well-appointed trim level that is augmented by several option packages. We suggest adding the F Sport package for its improved handling and ride quality. We also like the Premium package and the real leather upholstery and other creature comforts that come with it.

　　

2019 Lexus RX 450h models

　　The 2019 Lexus RX 450h is a five-passenger midsize luxury SUV. Although there is officially only one base trim level, the F Sport package deserves a special mention, as it drastically changes the character of the SUV. It features different styling, an upgraded suspension and a lower ride height. Otherwise, both the regular and F Sport versions of the RX 450h come well equipped and are available with the same option packages. Just keep in mind that the availability of those options can vary based on the region of the country you live in.

　　Every RX 450h is all-wheel drive, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine and three electric motor generators (one on each front wheel and a single unit controlling the rear two). The combined 308 horsepower is routed through a continuously variable automatic transmission.

　　Standard equipment highlights for the base RX 450h include 18-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting (headlights, foglights, taillights and running lights), automatic high beams, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, a power liftgate, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking, lane departure warning and intervention, and keyless ignition and entry.

　　Inside, the RX includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split rear seat (reclines, slides and folds) and a cargo cover. Tech features include the Remote Touch interface, an 8-inch color display, Safety Connect emergency communications, voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 12-speaker sound system with HD and satellite radio and two USB ports.

　　The F Sport package adds sportier exterior styling, 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, a lower ride height, an engine noise enhancer, special gauges, heated and ventilated sport seats, a heated sport steering wheel and special interior trim.

　　There are a number of notable packages available for the RX 450h, whether you stick with the base model or check the box for the F Sport. These include the Cold Weather (a windshield wiper de-icer, auto-leveling headlights, headlight washers and a heavy-duty heater), Premium (a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, driver-seat memory settings and leather upholstery) and Luxury (20-inch wheels, a wood-and-leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient lighting, rear sunshades and upgraded leather upholstery) packages. A Towing package is also available, adding a heavy-duty alternator, radiator and transmission oil cooler.

　　The Navigation package adds a nav system, a 12.3-inch central display, Enform Remote and Amazon Alexa integration (gives remote control over select systems), a premium audio system upgrade and a smog-sensing auto-recirculate for the climate control. A 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system is also available with this package.

　　There are numerous stand-alone options, some of which require adding one or a few of the aforementioned packages. Options include a color head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, power-folding and heated rear seats, a hands-free liftgate and upgraded LED headlights.

　　

2019 RX 450h Highlights

Trim: BaseF SPORTBase

　　

Base MSRP	$46,245
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$159/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles